Interactive television system and method having on-demand web-like navigational capabilities for displaying requested hyperlinked web-like still images associated with television content

ABSTRACT

A system and method for displaying still video images related to video content in an interactive broadcast television system. The system and method of the present invention may also be used for simulating an Internet home page on an interactive television system. The present invention thus supports hyperlinked web-like navigational capabilities in an interactive television system. According to the method of the present invention, the video delivery system provides or broadcasts one or more audio/video channels each comprising video content and also provides or broadcasts at least one still image channel comprising a plurality of still video images, preferably MPEG-2 compressed still images. The user or viewer can select options displayed on the television screen to view desired information. When the set top box receives user input selecting an option to view one of the linked still images, the set top box captures the requested image from the still image broadcast channel, stores the image in memory, and displays the captured still video image corresponding to the selection. The user can also request to view an image which is not currently being transmitted by the video delivery system. In this instance, the system provides user requested still images &#34;on demand&#34; on a dedicated &#34;search&#34; channel. The user can thus selectively navigate between the video content and stills in a web-like hyperlinked fashion.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to interactive video delivery mediumssuch as interactive television, and more particularly to a system andmethod for generating and displaying requested hyperlinked web-likestill video images in an interactive broadcast television system. Thepresent invention is also related to a system and method for emulatingInternet web pages in an interactive broadcast television system.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

The Internet is an international network based on various standardprotocols and transfer mechanisms which supports thousands of computernetworks. The basic transfer protocol used by the Internet is referredto as TCP/IP (Transfer Control Protocol/Internet Protocol), which was atransfer protocol originally used in the Unix operating system. TheInternet essentially provides an interactive image and documentpresentation system which enables users to selectively access desiredinformation and/or graphics content. The Internet has grown to form aninformation superhighway or information backbone with many and variedcommercial uses.

The Internet includes various server types, including World Wide Web(WWW) servers which offer hypertext capabilities. Hypertext capabilitiesallow the Internet to link together a web of documents, which can benavigated using a convenient graphical user interface (GUI). WWW serversuse Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) to identify documents, where a URLis the address of the document that is to be retrieved from a networkserver. The WWW, also referred to as the "web", also uses a hypertextlanguage referred to as the hypertext mark-up language (HTML). HTML is ascripting or programming language which allows content providers ordevelopers to place hyperlinks within web pages which link relatedcontent or data. The web also uses a transfer protocol referred to asthe HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP). When a user clicks on a link ina web document, the link icon in the document contains the URL which theclient employs to initiate the session with the server storing thelinked document. HTTP is the protocol used to support the informationtransfer.

Interactive television is an interactive audio/video delivery mediumwhich provides broadcast audiovisual content to a number of subscribers.Interactive television provides broadcast video and audio to users andalso provides a return path for the user to interact with the content,e.g., to make selections or order desired products, etc. Unlike theInternet, interactive television is primarily a broadcast medium whichgenerally requires that the same audiovisual content be delivered toeach user or subscriber.

One element of interactive television is the ability to provideelectronic program guides and/or electronic catalogs which allow viewersto order programming or merchandise. An advertiser may advertise hisproduct through interactive television, and the user may view and makeselections to order the product or receive more information on theproduct.

It is clearly desired to provide a convenient and easy mechanism whichenables a user or viewer in an interactive television system to moreeffectively select and view information with which the viewer isinterested. For example, it is desired to provide a convenientadvertising mechanism in an interactive broadcast television systemwhich enables advertisers to more effectively display advertisements. Itis more generally desired to enable the user or viewer to moreconveniently navigate through information in a web-like fashion in aninteractive television medium.

One problem in providing web-like capabilities in an interactivetelevision system is the broadcast nature of the system. The Internet isessentially a multi-point to multi-point network where each user canselectively retrieve different information or view different selectedcontent. In contrast, the broadcast television medium is primarily apoint to multi-point network where every user is generally required toreceive the same content. Therefore, an improved interactive televisionsystem and method is desired which provides web-like capabilities in aprimarily broadcast environment. An improved interactive televisionsystem and method is also desired which provides on-demand web-likecapabilities for displaying requested images in a primarily broadcastenvironment

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a system and method for displaying stillvideo images related to video content in an interactive broadcasttelevision system. The present invention thus provides hyperlinkedweb-like capabilities in an interactive television system. Theinteractive television system comprises a video delivery system forproviding a plurality of channels of video and/or image content, and atleast one subscriber television including a display screen, wherein thesubscriber television is coupled to the video delivery system. Thesubscriber television further includes a set top box or interactivedecoder logic which receives the plurality of channels and selectivelydisplays a channel based on user input.

According to the method of the present invention, the video deliverysystem provides or broadcasts one or more audio/video channels eachcomprising video content. The video delivery system also provides orbroadcasts at least one still image channel comprising a plurality ofstill video images, preferably MPEG-2 compressed still images. One ormore of the audio/video channels comprise AVI (audio video interactive)signals which include an audiovisual data stream as well as interactiveprogram content. The interactive program content is executable todisplay selection options which reference or link to MPEG stillstransferred on the still image channel. The MPEG stills may also includeinteractive program content used to display selection options whichreference or link to other MPEG stills.

According to the invention, when the television is displaying videocontent from an AVI signal which includes interactive program content,the interactive program content is executed by the set top box orinteractive decoder to display various selection options on thetelevision. One or more of the selection options each corresponds torespective compressed still video images broadcast on the still imagechannel. The user or viewer can select one of the options to viewdesired information. When the set top box receives user input selectingan option to view one of the linked still images, the set top boxcaptures the requested image from the still image broadcast channel,stores the image in memory, and displays the captured still video imagecorresponding to the selection. The still image being displayed may haveassociated interactive program content for displaying furtherselections, wherein these selections may be for viewing other images orcontent, for ordering information, or purchasing products. The user canthus selectively navigate between the video content and stills in aweb-like hyperlinked fashion.

In one embodiment, when a user is navigating through still images, thetelevision program or video content which was being viewed is displayedin a small window overlaid on the still image being displayed. In thisembodiment, the audio portion of the program image may also be presentedwhile still images are displayed. This provides a continuous televisionpresence in addition to the web-like hyperlinked navigationalcapabilities.

When the set top box captures a requested image from the still imagebroadcast channel, the set top box preferably also pre-caches orpre-loads other related still images based on the probability that theserelated images will be subsequently requested by the user. Thus, when animage is requested that has been pre-cached, the image is retrieved frommemory, instead of having to wait for the next broadcast of the image.This reduces the navigation latency and improves system performance.

In one embodiment, the interactive television system of the presentinvention further comprises a media server or web server which stores aplurality of still images which may be requested "on demand." In thisembodiment, the broadcast center utilizes one or more channels which arereserved for user requests and thus provide still images "on demand."Thus, when the set top box receives user input indicating a request toreceive additional still video images related to a certain videocontent, and these requested still images are not currently beingbroadcast on the still image channel, the set top box provides therequest to the media server. The media server receives the request andprovides the requested images to the broadcast center for transmission.The requested still video images related to the video content are thenbroadcast on the dedicated still image channel. The requesting set topbox may then capture and display the requested images on the subscribertelevision. Alternatively, the requested images are provided directlyfrom the media server to the set top box via the return channel.

The present invention thus comprises an interactive television systemwith web-like navigational capabilities. As one example, the presentinvention provides an improved system and method for displayingadvertising content in an interactive television system. A user viewingthe television can select an option which displays the advertisingcontent of a respective advertiser or vendor. When the user selects thisoption, the television hyperlinks to one or more high quality compressedvideo stills which are being broadcast on the dedicated one or morestill image channels which display the advertiser's goods or services.In the preferred embodiment, the video stills are presented in a formatsimilar to Internet pages. The still images may include thumbprintimages which link to other stills. The user may select respectivethumbprints to view a full-screen image of the thumbprint image. Stillimages may also include a selection which enables the user to order aproduct or to provide an indication that the user desires to receivemore information. The present invention thus enables advertisers to moreintuitively provide advertising content in an interactive televisionmedium.

Therefore, the system and method of the present invention provides amore convenient and a more informative method for users or viewers toaccess or navigate information in an interactive broadcast televisionsystem. The present invention provides an improved method which enablesusers to navigate through information content in an interactivetelevision system using web-like images and hyperlinks to simplifyinformation selections.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A better understanding of the present invention can be obtained when thefollowing detailed description of the preferred embodiment is consideredin conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an interactive television system according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates the interactive television system of FIG. 1 whichincludes a remote network that provides programming content;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the interactive decoder of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart diagram illustrating operation of the videodelivery system of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are flowchart diagrams illustrating operation of theinteractive decoder of FIGS. 1 and 2 according to one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 7-9 are a flowchart diagram illustrating operation of theinteractive decoder of FIGS. 1 and 2 according to another embodiment ofthe present invention, wherein the interactive decoder pre-caches stillimages related to a selected still image for improved performance;

FIG. 10 illustrates an interactive television system which provides "ondemand" still images according to the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart diagram illustrating operation of the videodelivery system of FIG. 10 according to the present invention;

FIGS. 12-14 illustrate operation of the interactive decoder of FIG. 10according to the present invention;

FIG. 15 illustrates a screen shot of a television displaying a programwhich includes selections that reference MPEG still images according tothe present invention;

FIG. 16 illustrates an MPEG still image being displayed which includesone or more selections for viewing other stills or making ordersaccording to the present invention;

FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate a channel advertising selection guide whichreferences still images according to the present invention;

FIG. 19 illustrates a magazine subscription example which utilizeslinked images according to the present invention;

FIG. 20 illustrates a sweepstakes example which utilizes linked imagesaccording to the present invention; and

FIGS. 21-24 illustrate a data feed application of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Interactive Television System

Referring now to FIG. 1, a block diagram of an interactive televisionsystem according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. Itis noted that FIG. 1 is illustrative only, and other interactivetelevision system embodiments may be used, as desired.

As shown, the interactive television system employs a broadcast center100 for generating audiovisual content, including interactiveaudiovisual content. The broadcast center 100 includes an audio/videosource 102 for providing the audiovisual content. The audiovisualcontent may comprise movies, sports, news, sitcoms or other audiovisualprogramming, as is normally seen on television. The audiovisual contentalso preferably comprises compressed still video images. The audio/videosource 102 may include video compression logic for compressing stillvideo images into compressed still video images. As shown in FIG. 2, theaudiovisual content may also be supplied by a remote network 170 or alive feed, as desired.

The broadcast center 100 also includes an application server 104 forcreating and/or generating interactive application content. Theinteractive application content comprises application code and datawhich is designed to be executed by a processor within a set top box ortelevision to support an interactive television feature. The applicationserver 104 is preferably configured for generating or providing "OpenTV"interactive applications. The application server may also provide "Java"applets or other interactive program content, as desired.

An Encoder/Multiplexer 106 combines the interactive application contentwith the audiovisual content to produce an audio-video-interactive (AVI)signal. The Encoder/Multiplexer 106 also synchronizes the interactiveapplication content with the audiovisual content to ensure that theinteractive application content is inserted in the proper positionwithin the audiovisual content. It is noted that certain channels maycomprise non-interactive programming content. In other words, certainaudiovisual content may not have associated interactive content. TheEncoder/Multiplexer 106 preferably multiplexes a plurality of signals,including AVI signals and optionally non-interactive signals, togetherfor transmission.

The broadcast center 100 also includes an uplink satellite 108 fortransmitting the broadcast signal for receipt by end-users or asubsequent distribution link. It is noted that FIG. 1 illustrates asatellite network example where a satellite is used to transmit thebroadcast signal. However, it is noted that other transmission methodsmay be used, including cable distribution through coaxial cable, fiberoptic transmission, microwave transmission or other means.

The broadcast signal is received from broadcast center 100 via asatellite downlink 120. The broadcast signal is then provided to aplurality of subscribers. As noted above, the broadcast signal includesone or more AVI signals on respective channels, and may include one ormore non-interactive program signals.

As shown, each end user or subscriber preferably includes a set top boxor interactive decoder 140 as well as a television set 150. The set topbox or interactive decoder 140 is coupled to the television set 150. Itis noted that the interactive decoder logic may be comprised in thetelevision 150 instead of being comprised as a separate unit 140. Also,the television may comprise a general purpose programmable computerhaving a display screen, or other viewing device, as desired.

In the present disclosure, the term "subscriber television" is intendedto include the television set 150 or other viewing device, such as acomputer, and may include associated decoder logic for executinginteractive programs. For example, in one embodiment, the subscribertelevision comprises the television set 150 coupled with the interactivedecoder or set top box 140.

The television 150 includes a remote control 152 which facilitates userinteraction with the television 150 and/or interactive decoder 140. Theuser can select desired television channels for viewing. The signal onthe selected television channel is decoded by the interactive decoder140 which provides an output to the television set 150. The interactivedecoder 140 preferably executes a real time operating system, such asOpenTV from Thomson Electronics. Where the channel being viewedcomprises an AVI signal, the interactive decoder 140 also executes aninteractive application program conveyed within the selected AVI signalto enable an interactive television feature.

A return channel 156 interconnects the interactive decoder 140 to atransaction server 160, which monitors certain selections by the userand responds accordingly, as desired. The return channel 156 preferablyutilizes a standard POTS (plain old telephone system) phone line andassociated modems (not shown) for communication. Other return channeloptions, such as coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, ADSL (AssymetricDigital Subscriber Line), ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode), or others,may be used, as desired.

The broadcast center 100 provides a plurality of program channels eachcomprising audiovisual content. One or more program channels compriseAVI signals including audiovisual content and associated interactiveapplications and/or still image link data. The link data is preferablyHTML (hypertext markup language) data. According to the presentinvention, the broadcast center 100 also provides at least one channel,referred to as a still image channel, comprising a plurality of stillvideo images, preferably MPEG compressed stills.

In the preferred embodiment, the still image channel transmits 25 stillimages per second where the images repeat every 3 seconds. Thus a totalof 75 different still images are transmitted on one still image channel.

The interactive applications provided on an AVI signal are executable todisplay one or more selections on the television in conjunction with theaudiovisual content. According to the present invention, certain ofthese selections reference respective MPEG stills which are transmittedon the one or more still image channels and are related to the videocontent. Certain selections may also be used to order information orproducts via the transaction server 160.

At least a subset of the broadcast still video images also includeassociated interactive applications and/or link data which areexecutable to display one or more selections on the television inconjunction with the respective MPEG still. These selections mayreference other MPEG stills, or may be used to order information orproducts. In one embodiment, one or more selections may be used totransmit a request to a media server for additional "on demand" MPEGstills.

FIG. 3--Interactive Decoder

Referring now to FIG. 3, a block diagram illustrating the interactivedecoder 140 is shown. As shown, the interactive decoder 140 includes aninput for receiving a broadcast signal over a channel. The broadcastsignal preferably comprises a plurality of channels comprisingprogramming content, such as movies, sports, television shows, news,advertising, etc. At least a subset, i.e., one or more, of the programchannels comprises an AVI (audio video interactive) signal whichcomprises an audiovisual component as well as an interactive programcomponent as described above.

The broadcast channel signal is provided to a demultiplexer 302 in theinteractive decoder 140. The demultiplexer 302 operates to separate theaudio/video component from the interactive component. In the preferredembodiment of the invention, the interactive component comprises aninteractive application and/or data which is compliant with the OpenTVstandard promulgated by Thomson Electronics. However, it is noted thatother types of interactive applications may be included in the AVIsignal, as desired.

The demultiplexer 302 provides the audio/video component to anaudio/video decoding block 304. The decoding block 304 operates todecode the compressed audiovisual data stream to produce decompresseddata. In the preferred embodiment, the broadcast channel transportsMPEG-2 compressed data. Thus, in the preferred embodiment, the decodingprocess block 304 preferably includes an MPEG-2 decoder fordecompressing or decoding the encoded data. The decoding process block304 provides an audio/video output which is preferably provided to thetelevision 150.

The interactive program component which is provided by the output of thedemultiplexer 302 is provided to a memory 312, preferably a randomaccess memory (RAM) which stores the interactive application, i.e., theOpenTV application. A CPU 314 is coupled to the interactive applicationRAM 312. Thus, the interactive application from the AVI signal is storedin the RAM 312, and the CPU 314 can read the application from the RAM312 and execute the application.

The interactive decoder 140 also preferably includes a second memory316, preferably a read only memory (ROM), which stored the interactiveapplication operating system. The operating system is preferably theOpenTV operating system from Thomson Electronics. The ROM 316 whichstores the OpenTV operating system is also coupled to the CPU 314. Thus,the CPU 314 reads the OpenTV operating system from the ROM 316, wherebythe operating system controls the operation of the CPU 314. The CPU 314also reads the interactive application from the RAM 312, which wasprovided with the AVI signal, and executes this interactive applicationunder control of the OpenTV operating system stored in ROM 316.

The CPU 314 provides an output to a graphic on-screen display block 322.The graphic on-screen display block 322 is coupled to provide an outputin conjunction with the audio/video output provided by decoder 304. Thegraphic on-screen display block 322 organizes the data in a format whichcan be overlaid on top of the audio/video output of the decoder 304.Thus, the CPU 314 executes an interactive application and generateson-screen graphics which are provided in conjunction with theaudio/video stream being output from the decoder 140. Thus, for example,if the interactive application is written to cause one or more selectionoptions to be displayed or overlaid on top of a television program orstill image, the CPU 314 executing the application provides theappropriate output to the graphic on-screen display block 322, and theblock 322 causes the respective selection buttons to be overlaid on topof and/or displayed with the audio/video output of the decoder 304.

The interactive decoder 140 also includes an input for receiving userinput. This user input is provided to an input of the CPU 314. This userinput may be provided from various devices, preferably from remotecontrol 152 or from buttons on the TV 150 or the interactive decoder140. The user input provided to the CPU 314 enables a user to interactwith the interactive application. For example, the user or viewer maychoose a selection or button displayed on the screen to view a linkedstill image according to the present invention. The user or viewer mayalso choose a selection or button to order a product or orderinformation, provide answers to a television game show, etc.

The interactive decoder 140 also includes a modem 324 which providesinformation on the return channel 156 for user interactivity. As shownin FIG. 3, the CPU 314 is coupled to the modem 324, and the modem 324 iscoupled to a return channel output of the interactive decoder 140. Inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the modem 324 may be used forbi-directional communication. As shown in FIG. 1, the return channel 156preferably couples to a transaction server 160. Thus, if the userselects an option to order information, or purchase a product, thetransaction server 160 receives this order and processes the order forfulfillment. In one embodiment, as discussed below with respect to FIG.9, the return channel 156 is also coupled to a media server, and thereturn channel 156 is used to select additional MPEG still images fordisplay which are provided "on demand", as described further below.

FIGS. 4-6: Interactive Television System

FIGS. 4-6 illustrate a method for displaying web-like still video imagesrelated to video content in an interactive television system accordingto the present invention. The method of the present invention provideshyperlinked web-like capabilities in an interactive television system.As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the interactive television system comprises avideo delivery system or broadcast center 100 for providing videocontent, and at least one subscriber television 150 including a displayscreen, wherein the subscriber television is coupled to the videodelivery system.

FIG. 4--Video Delivery System Flowchart Diagram

FIG. 4 is a flowchart diagram illustrating operation of the broadcastcenter of FIG. 1, also referred to as the video delivery system. Asshown, in step 402 the video delivery system provides a plurality ofprogram channels each comprising video content or audiovisual content.At least one of the plurality of channels comprises an AVI signal whichincludes an audiovisual signal as well as an interactive programincluded with the audiovisual signal. In step 404 the video deliverysystem 100 provides at least one channel comprising a plurality of stillvideo images. This at least one channel is referred to as a still imagechannel. As mentioned above, the still video images are preferably MPEGor MPEG-2 compressed stills. At least one of the plurality of stillvideo images includes an interactive program associated with therespective still. In the preferred embodiment, each of the still imagesincludes an interactive program which displays a selection to return toviewing the video content of the AVI signal. Each interactive programmay also include other selections which reference other still images orother options. It is noted that the still image channel(s) comprising aplurality of still video images is a different channel from theplurality of program channels comprising audiovisual content. Also, itis noted that the video delivery system 100 provides the programchannels in step 402 and the at least one still image channel in step404 substantially simultaneously as a single broadcast, and thetransmission of these channels is shown as separate steps forillustrative purposes.

FIGS. 5-6: Interactive Decoder Flowchart Diagram

Referring now to FIGS. 5-6, a flowchart diagram illustrating operationof the interactive decoder 140 according to the present invention isshown. In an embodiment where the interactive decoder logic is comprisedin the television 150, the steps in FIGS. 5-6 are executed by thetelevision 150. Although operation of the interactive decoder 140 isshown in FIGS. 5-6 in flowchart form, it is noted that certain of thesteps may occur substantially simultaneously.

In step 412 the interactive decoder 140 receives the plurality ofprogram channels each comprising video content. In step 414 theinteractive decoder 140 receives the at least one channel comprising theplurality of still video images. In the preferred embodiment, theinteractive decoder 140 receives the plurality of program channels eachcomprising video content in step 412 and the at least one channelcomprising the plurality of still video images in step 414 substantiallysimultaneously from a broadcast network as a single broadcasttransmission. It is also noted that the interactive decoder 140 receivesthe plurality of channels each comprising video content in step 412 andthe at least one channel comprising the plurality of still video imagesin step 414 substantially continuously, i.e., as a continuous broadcasttransmission.

The broadcast network is preferably a satellite broadcast network.Examples of satellite broadcast networks include "DirecTV", amongothers. The interactive decoder 140 may also receive these channels fromother types of broadcast or point to multi-point networks, including acable distribution system or microwave networks.

In step 422 the interactive decoder 140 decodes a selected channel anddisplays the audiovisual content of the selected channel on thetelevision 150. Thus in step 422 the subscriber television 150 displaysvideo content from one of the channels based on a user channelselection. In other words, the user preferably uses the remote control152 or presses a button on the television 150 to select a desiredchannel for viewing. In response to the user channel selection, in step422 the interactive decoder 140 tunes to the respective channel, decodesor decompresses the MPEG compressed audiovisual stream, and displays theaudio-video content from the selected channel on the subscribertelevision 150. The selected channel preferably comprises an AVI signalwhich includes an audiovisual stream, preferably an MPEG-2 compressedaudiovisual stream, and interactive program content according to thepresent invention.

In step 424 the interactive decoder 140 receives the interactive programor content from the AVI signal being displayed and executes thisinteractive program. Execution of the interactive content causes theinteractive decoder 140 to display one or more selection options on thetelevision screen 150 in step 426 (FIG. 6). In step 426 the one or moreselection options are displayed on the screen with the related videocontent. The one or more selection options are preferably overlaid ontop of the video content currently being displayed. At least a subset ofthe one or more selection options preferably corresponds to respectivestill video images being transmitted in the still image channel. Also,in this embodiment, one of the selection options may be used for otherinteractive selections.

The still video images referenced by the interactive program arepreferably related by subject matter to the audiovisual content beingdisplayed which included the interactive program. In other words, if thevideo content being displayed relates to a first subject matter, thenthe still video images referenced by the selection options also relateto that subject matter.

For example, if the AVI signal comprises a commercial for a SunSparcStation computer, then the interactive program displays selectionoptions which reference MPEG stills of related products. FIG. 15illustrates a television screen-shot of an advertisement for a SunSparcStation which includes selection options that reference respectiveMPEG still images according to the present invention. As shown in FIG.15, these stills include a close-up of the Sun SparcStation as well asrelated products, including a modem, laptop computer, video monitor, andoptical drive. The selection options in the embodiment of FIG. 15 arethumbprint images of the image that is referenced. Thus the one or moreselection options are linked to a first set of still video images,wherein the first set of still video images have video content relatedto the subject matter of the audiovisual content being displayed. If theuser selects an option, such as the laptop computer, then the laptopcomputer image is presented as shown in FIG. 16. This operation isdiscussed further below.

As another example, if the AVI signal comprises a commercial forChevrolet trucks, then the interactive program displays selectionoptions which reference MPEG stills of Chevrolet trucks or othervehicles.

Each of the selection options is linked to at least one of the stillvideo images, preferably through a hyperlink. These links may becreated, for example, by HTML (hpertext mark-up language) code in theinteractive application transmitted in the AVI signal. Thus, when theuser selects a selection option, preferably using the remote control152, the interactive application executing on the interactive decoder140 reads the appropriate link data or HTML data associated with theselection and retrieves the corresponding MPEG still for display.

Steps 422-426 repeat and/or are continuously executed until user inputis received making a selection. It is noted that steps 424 and 426 areonly executed if the signal on the selected channel is an AVI signalwhich includes interactive content. Also, if no user input is receivedwithin a certain period of time, the interactive program completes. Thusif no user input is received as determined in step 428, operationreturns to step 422.

If user input is received in step 428, i.e., if the interactive decoder140 receives user input selecting one of the selection options, thenoperation advances to step 430. In this case, no option is presented toreturn to the video content of the AVI signal, since the video contentof the AVI signal is currently being viewed, and operation proceedsdirectly to step 432.

In step 432 the interactive decoder 140 determines which of theplurality of still video images corresponds to the user selection. Asmentioned above, this involves the interactive application executing onthe interactive decoder 140 examining link data or HTML data todetermine which of the plurality of still video images corresponds tothe user selection.

In step 434 the interactive decoder 140 displays a still video image onthe television screen corresponding to the user selection. In step 434the interactive decoder 140 captures the still image that is beingbroadcast on the still image channel, preferably stores the still imagein memory, such as memory 312, and displays the still image on thetelevision screen. Thus the still video image is displayed in responseto step 432 determining that the respective still video imagecorresponds to the selection received from the user in step 424.

In one embodiment, the video program content of the AVI signal, i.e.,the television content on the channel being watched, is displayed in aninset window of the still image displayed in step 434. In addition, oralternatively, the audio from the AVI signal or television program ispresented with the still image. This allows a continuous televisionprogram presence to be maintained while the user is navigating throughthe web-like stills.

The respective still video image is displayed on the same channel thatthe user or viewer was previously watching. Thus, from the user'sperspective, one or more selections appear during a certain audiovisualtelevision program, the user selects one of the selections, and arelated or corresponding still image, referred to as a first stillimage, appears on the television on the same channel that the viewer waswatching. As discussed above, the first still image is related to thesubject matter of the television program which was being viewed when theselection was made. Also, an inset of the television program may bemaintained, as described above.

It is noted that the first still video image displayed in step 434 alsopreferably includes an associated interactive program that istransmitted with the still video image. As shown, in step 436 theinteractive program or content associated with the still image beingdisplayed is executed by the interactive decoder 140. Execution of theinteractive content again causes the interactive decoder 140 to displayone or more selection options on the television screen 150 in step 426.The one or more selection options are displayed on the screen with therelated MPEG still. The one or more selection options are preferablyoverlaid on top of the video content or still image currently beingdisplayed.

One or more selection options preferably correspond to other relatedones of the still video images being transmitted. At least one of theselection options may be used to return to watching the audiovisualcomponent of the AVI signal, i.e., to return to watching the televisionprogram.

Referring again to the example of FIGS. 15 and 16, if the user selectsthe laptop image selection in FIG. 15, the laptop image is captured fromthe still image channel and displayed on the screen. As shown in FIG.16, one or more selection options are presented with the still image.These selection options include other related ones of the still videoimages being transmitted. One of the selection options may be used toreturn to watching the audiovisual component of the AVI signal, i.e., toreturn to watching the television program.

If a user selection is received in step 428 which indicates a desire toreturn to viewing the video content of the AVI signal as determined instep 430, i.e., to return to watching the television program orcommercial being presented, then the interactive decoder 140 returns tostep 422. If the user selection indicates a desire to view another oneof the MPEG stills, then operation advances to step 432, and theselected image is determined, captured from the broadcast, and displayedin steps 432 and 434. Also, any interactive content is executed in step436.

Thus, after the interactive program content associated with the stillimage being displayed is executed by the interactive decoder 140 in step436, then steps 426-436 repeat as described above. Thus one or moreselections options are displayed in step 422, and the user may possiblyview other still images, or may return to the television program thatwas being watched.

FIGS. 7-9: Pre-Caching Embodiment

Referring now to FIGS. 7-9, a flowchart diagram illustrating operationof the interactive decoder 140 according to an alternate and preferredembodiment of the present invention is shown. The embodiment of FIGS.7-9 is similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6. However, in theembodiment of FIGS. 7-9, the interactive decoder 140 operates topre-cache or pre-load still images which are related to a still imageselected by the user to enable faster and more efficient display ofthese images should these images be subsequently requested by the user.As noted above with respect to FIGS. 5-6, the operation of theinteractive decoder 140 is shown in FIGS. 7-9 in flowchart form, and itis noted that certain of the steps may occur substantiallysimultaneously.

In this embodiment, steps 412-432 of FIGS. 7 and 8 are performed in asubstantially similar manner to steps 412-432 of FIGS. 5 and 6 asdescribed above. However, as shown in FIG. 8, in step 432 after theinteractive decoder 140 has determined which of the plurality of stillvideo images corresponds to the user selection, in step 442 theinteractive decoder 140 determines if the respective still image thathas been requested is cached in the memory 312 of the interactivedecoder 140. If the still image is determined to be cached in theinteractive decoder 140, then in step 444 the interactive decoder 140retrieves the still image from the memory, and operation advances tostep 434 of FIG. 9.

If the still image is determined to not be cached in the memory 312 ofthe interactive decoder 140, then in step 446 the interactive decoder140 retrieves the still image from the respective still image channelwhere the image is being transmitted by the broadcast network. Thisretrieved still image is stored in the memory 312 for display. In step448 the interactive decoder 140 pre-caches or pre-loads other stillimages which are related to the still image selected by the user. Theserelated still images are also preferably stored in the RAM 312 of theinteractive decoder 140.

Thus, in the example of FIGS. 15 and 16 used above, if the user selectsthe laptop computer option in FIG. 15 to view the laptop still image asshown in FIG. 16, the interactive decoder 140 preferably stores orpre-caches the other respective MPEG still images, including the imagesof the Sun SparcStation, the modem, the video monitor, and the opticaldrive. Thus, if the user selects an option to view one of these otherimages, these images are already stored in memory and can be quicklyretrieved. As another example, if the user is viewing a Chevrolet truckcommercial, and selects one of four possible images showing a Chevrolettruck, in this embodiment the interactive decoder 140 pre-caches orpre-loads the other three still images of Chevrolet trucks based on theassumption that the user will also subsequently desire to view theseimages. After the related images are stored in step 448, operation thenadvances to step 434 (FIG. 9).

In step 434 (FIG. 9), the interactive decoder 140 displays the stillvideo image on the television screen. In step 434, the interactivedecoder 140 captures the selected still image that is being broadcast onthe still image channel, preferably stores the still image in memory,such as memory 312, and displays the still image on the televisionscreen. If the still image includes an interactive program, then in step436 the interactive decoder 140 executes the interactive programassociated with the still image as previously described. Operation thenreturns to step 426 as previously described.

Therefore, in this embodiment the interactive decoder 140 operates topre-cache or pre-load the still images which are related to a selectedstill image, based on the likelihood that the user will subsequentlyrequest these cached still images. This enables the interactive decoder140 to provide these images much more quickly, thus reducing latency andproviding greater responsiveness.

FIG. 10--Interactive Television System with Media Server

Referring now to FIG. 10, a diagram illustrating an interactivetelevision system and including a media server 180 according to anotherembodiment of the present invention is shown. FIG. 10 is similar to FIG.1, and elements in FIG. 10 which are similar or identical to elements inFIG. 1 have the same reference numerals for convenience.

As shown, FIG. 10 is similar to FIG. 1 except that the embodiment ofFIG. 10 includes a media server 180 which is coupled to the returnchannel 156 of the interactive decoder 140. In this embodiment, when theuser has viewed all of the available MPEG stills related to a certainsubject matter that are being broadcast from the broadcast center 100,and the user desires to view further stills and/or obtain otherinformation, the user can select an option which causes a request to bemade for further stills or information "on demand". In this embodiment,when the user requests further information, the request is provided fromthe interactive decoder 140 to media server 180.

In one embodiment, the media server 180 provides the requested stillimages to the broadcast center 100, and the broadcast center 100broadcasts the desired stills on a pre-designated channel reserved foruser requests, referred to as the search channel. It is noted that theuser requests are only made once the user has exhausted all otheravailable MPEG stills. Thus, in this embodiment, it is presumed that thevast majority of users will be satisfied with the MPEG stills that arebeing broadcast on the regular MPEG still broadcast channel. However,for those small number of users who desire more information, these userscan make a request which is provided to the media server 180, andadditional MPEG stills are provided by the broadcast center 100 "ondemand" on the predefined search channel.

In another embodiment of the present invention, when the interactivedecoder 140 transmits a request to the media server 180 for additionalMPEG stills, the media server 180 provides these additional stills backthrough the return channel 156 to the interactive decoder 140, insteadof providing the request to the broadcast center 100 for broadcast overthe pre-defined channel. The modem 324 in the MPEG decoder 140 receivesthe requested still image, and the still image is stored in memory andprovided through the decoder 304 for display on the television 150.Thus, in this embodiment, the media server 180 acts much like aweb-server which receives the requests and provides the requested MPEGstill directly to the interactive decoder 140 through the return channel156. Thus, in this manner the media server 180 provides the desired MPEGstills directly to the interactive decoder 140 of the requesting user,and the MPEG stills are not required to be broadcast on a specialpre-defined channel reserved for this use.

FIGS. 11-14: Interactive Television System with Media Server

FIGS. 11-14 illustrate a method for displaying web-like still videoimages related to video content in an interactive television system withadditional user request capabilities according to the present invention.The present invention thus provides hyperlinked, on demand, web-likecapabilities in an interactive television system. The embodiment ofFIGS. 11-14 is similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 4-6. However, thisembodiment allows a user or viewer to request and receive additionalstill images, thus providing more web-like capabilities.

As shown in FIG. 10, the interactive television system of thisembodiment comprises a video delivery system 100 for providing videocontent, and at least one subscriber television 150 including a displayscreen, wherein the subscriber television is coupled to the videodelivery system. The interactive television system also comprises amedia server or web server 180 for handling user requests.

FIG. 11--Video Delivery System Flowchart Diagram

FIG. 11 is a flowchart diagram illustrating operation of the broadcastcenter of FIG. 10, also referred to as the video delivery system. Asshown, in step 502 the video delivery system provides a plurality ofprogram channels each comprising video content or audiovisual content.At least one of the plurality of channels comprises an AVI signal whichincludes an audiovisual signal as well as an interactive programincluded with the audiovisual signal.

In step 504 the video delivery system 100 provides at least one channelcomprising a plurality of still video images. This at least one channelis referred to as the still image channel. As mentioned above, the stillvideo images are preferably MPEG or MPEG-2 compressed stills. At leastone of the plurality of still video images includes an interactiveprogram associated with the respective still. In the preferredembodiment, each of the still images includes an interactive programwhich displays a selection to return to viewing the video content of theAVI signal. Each interactive program may also include other selectionswhich reference other still images or other options. It is noted thatthe still image channel(s) comprising a plurality of still video imagesis different from the plurality of program channels comprisingaudiovisual content.

In step 506 the video delivery system provides at least one channelcomprising a plurality of requested still video images, referred to as asearch channel. The channel provided in step 506 comprises a searchchannel which is dedicated for providing MPEG still images "on demand",i.e., based on user's requests. It is noted that the video deliverysystem 100 provides the program channels in step 502, the at least onestill image channel in step 504, and the search channel in step 506 as asingle broadcast, and the transmission of these channels is shown asseparate steps for illustrative purposes.

FIGS. 12-14: Interactive Decoder Flowchart Diagram

Referring now to FIGS. 12-14, a flowchart diagram illustrating operationof the interactive decoder 140 according to the present invention isshown. In an embodiment where the interactive decoder logic is comprisedin the television 150, the steps in FIGS. 12-14 are executed by thetelevision 150. Although operation of the interactive decoder 140 isshown in FIGS. 12-14 in flowchart form, it is noted that certain of thesteps may occur substantially simultaneously.

In step 512 the interactive decoder 140 receives the plurality ofprogram channels each comprising video content. In step 514 theinteractive decoder 140 receives the at least one still image channelcomprising the plurality of still video images. In step 516 theinteractive decoder 140 receives the at least one search channelcomprising the plurality of requested still video images. As notedabove, the still images transferred on this latter search channel areprovided "on demand" based on user's requests.

In the preferred embodiment, the interactive decoder 140 receives theplurality of channels each comprising video content in step 512, the atleast one channel comprising the plurality of still video images in step514, and the at least one channel comprising requested still images instep 516 substantially simultaneously from a broadcast network, such asa satellite broadcast network. Examples of satellite broadcast networksinclude "DirecTV", among others. The interactive decoder 140 may alsoreceive these channels from other types of broadcast or point tomulti-point networks, including a cable distribution system or microwavenetworks. It is also noted that the interactive decoder 140 receives theplurality of channels each comprising video content in step 512 and thechannels comprising the plurality of still video images in steps 514 and516 substantially continuously.

In step 522 (FIG. 13) the interactive decoder 140 decodes a selectedchannel and displays the audiovisual content of the selected channel onthe television 150. Thus in step 522 the subscriber television 150displays video content from one of the channels based on a user channelselection. In other words, the user preferably uses the remote control152 or presses a button on the television 150 to select a desiredchannel for viewing. In response to the user channel selection, in step522 the interactive decoder 140 tunes to the respective channel, decodesor decompresses the MPEG compressed audiovisual stream, and displays theaudio-video content from the selected channel on the subscribertelevision 150. The selected channel preferably comprises an AVI signalwhich includes an audiovisual stream, preferably an MPEG-2 compressedaudiovisual stream, and interactive program content according to thepresent invention.

In step 524 the interactive decoder 140 receives the interactive programor content from the AVI signal being displayed and executes thisinteractive program. Execution of the interactive content causes theinteractive decoder 140 to display one or more selection options on thetelevision screen 150 in step 526. In step 526 the one or more selectionoptions are displayed on the screen with the related video content. Theone or more selection options are preferably overlaid on top of thevideo content currently being displayed, as shown in the example of FIG.15. At least a subset of the one or more selection options preferablycorresponds to respective still video images being transmitted on thestill image channel.

As described above, the still video images referenced by the interactiveprogram are preferably related by subject matter to the audiovisualcontent being displayed which included the interactive program. In otherwords, if the video content being displayed relates to a first subjectmatter, then the still video images referenced by the selection optionsalso relate to that subject matter.

Each of the selection options is linked to at least one of the stillvideo images, preferably through a hyperlink. These links may becreated, for example, by HTML (hpertext mark-up language) code in theinteractive application transmitted in the AVI signal. Thus, when theuser selects a selection option, preferably using the remote control152, the interactive application executing on the interactive decoder140 reads the appropriate link data or HTML data associated with theselection and retrieves the corresponding MPEG still for display.

Steps 522-526 repeat and/or are continuously executed until user inputis received making a selection. It is noted that steps 524 and 526 areonly executed if the signal on the selected channel is an AVI signalwhich includes interactive content. Also, if no user input is receivedwithin a certain period of time, the interactive program completes. Thusif no user input is received as determined in step 528, then operationreturns to step 522.

If user input is received in step 528, i.e., if the interactive decoder140 receives user input selecting one of the selection options, thenoperation advances depending on whether the user desires to view animage currently being broadcast, the user requests more informationand/or stills that are not currently being broadcast, or the user optsto return to viewing the television program. It is noted that, where theuser is currently viewing a television program, i.e., the video contentof the AVI signal, returning to view the television program is generallynot an option.

If the user is currently viewing a still image and the selectionindicates a desire to return to viewing the video content of the AVIsignal, i.e., to return to watching the television program or commercialbeing presented, then the interactive decoder 140 returns to step 522.If the user selection indicates a desire to view one of the MPEG stillscurrently being broadcast, then operation advances to step 532 (FIG.14). If the user selection is a request to view one or more MPEG stillsor other information that is not currently being broadcast, thenoperation advances to step 542 (FIG. 14).

If the user selection indicates a desire to view one of the MPEG stillscurrently being broadcast, in step 532 the interactive decoder 140determines which of the plurality of still video images corresponds tothe user selection. As mentioned above, this involves the interactiveapplication executing on the interactive decoder 140 examining link dataor HTML data to determine which of the plurality of still video imagescorresponds to the user selection. In step 534 the interactive decoder140 displays a still video image on the television screen correspondingto the user selection. In step 534, the interactive decoder 140 capturesthe still image that is being broadcast on the still image channel,preferably stores the still image in memory, such as memory 312, anddisplays the still image on the television screen. Thus the still videoimage is displayed in response to step 532 determining that therespective still video image corresponds to the selection received fromthe user in step 528.

The respective still video image is displayed on the same channel thatthe user or viewer was previously watching. Thus, from the user'sperspective, one or more selections appear during a certain audiovisualprogram, the user selects one of the selections, and a related orcorresponding still image, referred to as a first still image, appearson the television on the same channel that the viewer was watching. Asdiscussed above, the first still image is related to the subject matterof the television program which was being viewed when the selection wasmade.

It is noted that the still video image displayed in step 534 may alsoinclude an associated interactive program that is transmitted with thestill video image. As shown, in step 536 the interactive program orcontent associated with the still image being displayed is executed bythe interactive decoder 140. Execution of the interactive content againcauses the interactive decoder 140 to display one or more selectionoptions on the television screen 150 in step 526. The one or moreselection options are displayed on the screen with the related MPEGstill, as discussed above with respect to the example of FIG. 16. Theone or more selection options are preferably overlaid on top of thevideo content or still image currently being displayed. At least one ofthe selection options may be used to return to watching the audiovisualcomponent of the AVI signal, i.e., to return to watching the televisionprogram. One or more selection options preferably correspond to otherones of the still video images being transmitted.

After the interactive program content associated with the still imagebeing displayed is executed by the interactive decoder 140 in step 536,then steps 526-528 repeat as described above. Thus one or moreselections options are displayed in step 526, and the user may possiblyview other still images, request other images, or may return to thetelevision program that was being watched.

If the user selection is a request to view one or more MPEG stills orother information that is not currently being broadcast, then operationadvances to step 542 (FIG. 14). In step 542 the interactive decoder 140transmits a user selection to the media server 180. The media server 180preferably provides the requested still images to the broadcast center100, and the broadcast center 100 broadcasts the desired stills on thepre-designated search channel reserved for user requests.

In step 544 the interactive decoder 140 receives one or more stillimages from the broadcast center 100 in response to the request made instep 542. The one or more still images from the broadcast center 100 arepreferably provided on a search channel, which is a channel dedicated to"on demand" MPEG still images that are requested by users.

In step 546 the interactive decoder 140 displays the one or morerequested still video images on the television screen corresponding tothe user request. In step 546 the interactive decoder 140 captures thestill image that is being broadcast on the search channel, preferablystores the still image in memory, such as memory 312, and displays thestill image on the television screen. Thus the still video image isdisplayed in response to the user request in step 542.

The respective still video image is displayed on the same channel thatthe user or viewer was previously watching. Thus, from the user'sperspective, one or more selections appear during a certain audiovisualprogram, the user selects one of the selections, and a related orcorresponding still image, referred to as a first still image, appearson the television on the same channel that the viewer was watching. Asdiscussed above, the first still image is related to the subject matterof the television program which was being viewed when the selection wasmade.

It is noted that the still video image displayed in step 546 may alsoinclude an associated interactive program that is transmitted with thestill video image. As shown, in step 548 the interactive program orcontent associated with the still image being displayed is executed bythe interactive decoder 140. Execution of the interactive content againcauses the interactive decoder 140 to display one or more selectionoptions on the television screen 150 in step 526. The one or moreselection options are displayed on the screen with the related MPEGstill, preferably overlaid as described above. At least one of theselection options may be used to return to watching the audiovisualcomponent of the AVI signal, i.e., to return to watching the televisionprogram. One or more selection options preferably correspond to otherones of the still video images being transmitted.

After the interactive program content associated with the still imagebeing displayed is executed by the interactive decoder 140 in step 548,then steps 526-528 repeat as described above. Thus one or moreselections options are displayed in step 526, and the user may possiblyview other still images, request new images be transmitted for viewing,or may return to the television program that was being watched.

FIG. 15--Television Program with User Selections

FIG. 15 illustrates a screen shot of a television program or commercialwhich includes various user selections for selecting still imagesaccording to the present invention. As shown, the selections areoverlaid on top of the normal program. These selections may comprisethumbprint images which indicate the nature of the still imagereferenced, much like a web home page. The selections may also be usedto order information or products.

Thus when the user is viewing a respective channel or respectiveadvertising which includes interactive programming according theinvention, the decoder 140 displays one or more user selection optionswhich reference still images being broadcast. These user selectionoptions may take the form of thumbprint images.

FIG. 16--Still Image with User Selections

FIG. 16 illustrates a screen shot of a still image which includesvarious user selections. As shown, the selections are overlaid on top ofthe image. These user selections may be used for selecting other stillimages according to the present invention. As mentioned above, theseselections may comprise thumbprint images which indicate the nature ofthe still image referenced, much like a web home page. The selectionsdisplayed with the still image may also be used to order information orproducts, return to viewing the television program, or otherwiseinteract with the image being displayed.

FIGS. 17 and 18--Advertising Channel Selection Guide

Referring now to FIG. 17, a diagram illustrating an advertising channelselection guide displayed on a user's television in the interactivetelevision system of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the inventionis shown. As shown, the selection guide may include a plurality ofchannels, such as channels 200-207. As shown, each of the channels arereserved for a respective advertiser. It is noted that the system of thepresent invention may be used for any of various types of advertisingcontent as desired.

In the example of FIG. 17, each channel is reserved for a special automanufacturer, e.g., channel 200 is reserved for a Toyota Sale-A-Thon,channel 201 is reserved for Nissan, channel 202 is reserved forMitsubishi Motors, channel 203 is reserved for Chrysler Corporation,channel 204 is reserved for Plymouth, channel 205 is reserved forChevrolet, channel 206 is reserved for Saturn, and channel 207 isreserved for Pontiac, etc. As discussed further below, each of the namesbeside the respective channels in FIG. 17 are hyperlinked to one or morecorresponding MPEG stills. These MPEG stills are preferably beingcontinuously broadcast on a channel reserved for this purpose, asdescribed above. In other words, when a user selects a respectivechannel or respective advertiser, MPEG stills which include otheradvertising content of the respective advertiser are captured anddisplayed.

Referring now to FIG. 18, a diagram illustrating the web-likecapabilities of the interactive television system of the presentinvention is shown. As shown, when the user selects a respective channelor respective advertising which includes interactive program accordingthe invention, the decoder 140 displays the corresponding still image.The still image may comprise one or more thumbprint images or stills aswell as one or more user selection options.

As shown in FIG. 18, when user selects the channel 203 and/or selectsChrysler, an image is displayed which includes one or more thumbprintsof stills which the user may select and view, as well as one or morepossible options. The thumbprints may be selected to view a full sizeimage of the respective thumbprint. Thus, when one of the thumbprints isselected, the corresponding MPEG still, which is continuously beingtransferred by the interactive television broadcast system, is capturedand stored in the memory of the decoder 140, and this still image isdisplayed on the user's television.

In the example of FIG. 18, the options shown in the hyperlink pagecomprise a send brochure option, and an exit option. The "send brochure"option may be selected for the user to indicate the desire to receive abrochure on the automobiles displayed in the respective image. The exitoption may also be selected to return to the main channel selection menushown in FIG. 17. The frame may also include an option to see additionalpages with additional thumbprint images or other user options forviewing as desired.

Thus, the user may easily navigate among different advertisers anddifferent advertising content using an Internet-based or web-basedmethodology in an interactive television system. This provides a moresimplified mechanism for displaying interactive advertising content, aswell as a simplified mechanism for enabling the user to navigate throughinteractive advertising content in an interactive television system.

FIGS. 19--Sweepstakes Example

FIG. 19 illustrates an example where an MPEG still image is used toprovide advertising and/or an entry form for a sweepstakes or contest.As shown, FIG. 19 illustrates an MPEG still which comprises asweepstakes entry form which can be filled out by the user or viewer.The information entered by the viewer on the still image form is thentransmitted by the interactive decoder 140 to the transaction server 160to enter the viewer in the sweepstakes.

FIG. 20--Magazine Subscription Example

FIG. 20 illustrates an example where an MPEG still image is used toprovide advertising regarding magazine subscriptions. As shown, FIG. 19illustrates an MPEG still which shows a number of possible magazinesubscriptions. The MPEG still shown in FIG. 20 preferably includes aplurality of thumbprints which show the covers of magazines which may beordered by the viewer of the interactive television system. The MPEGstill in FIG. 20 also includes a "more" selection which allows the userto advance to another MPEG still which shows other magazine subscriptionoptions. Each of the thumbprint images in FIG. 20 may be selected toview a full-size image of a respective magazine as well as an option toorder the respective magazine. When the user orders a respectivemagazine subscription, information is provided from the MPEG decoder 140to the transaction server 160 to order the respective magazine for theuser.

FIGS. 21-24: Information Data Feeds

FIGS. 21-24 illustrate use of the interactive television system of thepresent invention to selectively provide various data fees to a numberof users. In this embodiment, one or more channels are reserved solelyfor MPEG stills that are related to data fees which may be desired byviewers. The first MPEG still which is displayed may show a desktopwhich includes sports, news, and stock options. Each of these selectionsin turn references further MPEG stills as shown in FIGS. 22-24 forsports, news, and stock information, as shown.

The interactive television system of the present invention thus enablesa user to subscribe to a form of video content, such as a magazine,i.e., Sports Illustrated, Wired, etc., as opposed to subscribing to twochannels of traditional broadcast programming. Thus, for example, theinteractive television system provider may charge a first certain amountof money per subscriber per month per channel to allow the prospectiveprovider to provide advertising content through the interactivetelevision system.

Still Image Bandwidth

In the preferred embodiment, the compressed video stills are preferablyMPEG stills, preferably MPEG-2 compressed video stills. Also, in thepreferred embodiment, the interactive television system includes a 4Megabit per second (Mbit/sec) channel and transfer rate, which isequivalent to 0.5 Mbit/sec of data transfer. Each MPEG-2 compressedstill image preferably comprises approximately 20 kilobytes. Thus, theinteractive television system in the preferred embodiment is capable oftransferring 25 still images per second. In other words, 0.5 Mbit/secdivided by 20 kilobyte/still image equals 25 still images per second. Inthe preferred embodiment of the present invention, the interactivetelevision delivery broadcast system includes a carousel of images witha 3 second maximum latency. Assuming a 3 second maximum latency, thesystem of the present invention preferably stores and delivers up to 75different images. This may correspond to, for example, 25 advertisers,each with 3 hyperlinked pages. Each of the users or viewers hasfull-time access to each of these pages through a channel guide withhyperlinks to the various advertisement as described above.

In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, interactivetelevision system includes an 8 second latency. In this embodiment, thesystem stores a possible 400 different images, wherein these images maybe assigned, for example, as four pages per advertiser for 100advertisers. As mentioned above, each compressed video image comprises20 kilobytes per still image, thus, 4 times 20 kilobytes is 80 kilobytesfor each advertiser, times 100 advertisers equals 8 megabytes.

Conclusion

Therefore, the present invention comprises and improved system andmethod for providing interactive web-like content in an interactivetelevision system. The system and method of the present inventiondedicates one or more channels for transferring MPEG stills and utilizeshyperlinks to enable users to navigate within these stills in a similarmanner to an Internet web page. Selections are hyperlinked to respectiveMPEG compressed video stills which provide further content orinformation. The MPEG stills may further include interactive programmingwhich provides options for the user to select more information orpurchase products as desired.

We claim:
 1. A method for displaying still video images related to videocontent in an interactive television system, wherein the interactivetelevision system comprises a video delivery system for providing videocontent, and at least one subscriber television including a displayscreen, wherein the subscriber television is coupled to the videodelivery system, wherein the system further comprises a media serverwhich stores a plurality of still images, the method comprising:thevideo delivery system broadcasting a plurality of channels eachcomprising video content; the subscriber television receiving saidplurality of channels each comprising video content; displaying on thescreen one or more selection options, wherein said one or more selectionoptions includes a first selection option which indicates a request toview at least one still image which is not currently being broadcast bysaid video delivery system; receiving user input selecting said firstselection option which indicates a request to view at least one firststill image which is not currently being broadcast by said videodelivery system; the subscriber television providing said request to themedia server; the media server providing one or more still images to thevideo delivery system in response to said request; the video deliverysystem broadcasting said one or more still images on a first channel inresponse to receiving said one or more still images from the mediaserver; the subscriber television displaying on the screen said at leastone first still image received on said first channel; and displaying onthe screen video content from one of said one or more channels eachcomprising video content, wherein said displaying on the screen one ormore selection options occurs during said displaying on the screen saidvideo content, wherein said video content comprises first video contentrelated to a first subject matter and wherein said one or more stillimages have video content related to said first subject matter;receiving user input selecting one or more selection options whichindicate requests to view one or more still images currently beingbroadcast by said video delivery system which relate to said firstsubject matter, wherein said user input selecting said one or moreselection options is received prior to said user input selecting saidfirst selection option; and the subscriber television displaying on thescreen said one or more still images currently being broadcast by saidvideo delivery system which relate to said first subject matter.
 2. Amethod for displaying still video images related to video content in aninteractive television system, wherein the interactive television systemincludes a subscriber television including a display screen, the methodcomprising:receiving a plurality of channels each comprising videocontent; receiving at least one channel comprising a plurality ofrequested still video images; displaying on the screen video contentfrom one of said plurality of channels; displaying on the screen one ormore selection options, wherein said one or more selection optionsincludes a first selection option which indicates a request to view atleast one first still image which is not currently being received bysaid subscriber television; receiving user input selecting said firstselection option which indicates a request to view at least one stillimage which is not currently being received by said subscribertelevision; the subscriber television system transmitting said requestto a media server; the subscriber television receiving one or more stillimages on a first channel in response to said transmitting said request;and the subscriber television displaying on the screen said one or morestill images received on said first channel; displaying on the screenfirst video content related to a first subject matter from one of saidone or more channels each comprising first video content, wherein saiddisplaying on the screen one or more selection options occurs duringsaid displaying on the screen said video content and wherein said one ormore still images have video content related to said first subjectmatter; receiving user input selecting one or more selection optionswhich indicate requests to view one or more still images currently beingreceived which relate to said first subject matter, wherein said userinput selecting said one or more selection options is received prior tosaid user input selecting said first selection option; and thesubscriber television displaying on the screen said one or more stillimages currently being received which relate to said first subjectmatter.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising:the video deliverysystem broadcasting at least one second channel comprising a pluralityof still video images; the subscriber television receiving said at leastone second channel comprising said plurality of still video images;wherein said first selection option indicates a request to view at leastone still image which is not being broadcast on said at least one secondchannel.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein said first channel comprisesa plurality of still images, the method further comprising:determiningwhich of said plurality of still video images on said first channelcorresponds to said user input after said video delivery systembroadcasts said one or more still video images on said first channel;wherein said displaying on the screen said one or more additional stillimages received on said first channel is performed in response to saiddetermining.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein said displaying on thescreen video content comprises displaying on the screen said videocontent on a second television channel; andwherein said secondtelevision channel is different than said first television channel. 6.The method of claim 1, wherein the video delivery system broadcasting aplurality of channels each comprising video content comprises the videodelivery system broadcasting interactive program data with one or moreof said channels;wherein the method further comprises the subscribertelevision executing said interactive program data; wherein saiddisplaying on the screen said one or more selection options is performedin response to the subscriber television executing said interactiveprogram data associated with said video content from said one of saidone or more channels.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the systemfurther comprises a set top box coupled to the subscribertelevision;wherein said displaying on the screen said one or moreselection options comprises the set top box receiving said interactiveprogram data associated with said video content from said one of saidone or more channels and displaying on the screen said one or moreselection options in response to said interactive program data.
 8. Themethod of claim 1, wherein said displaying on the screen said one ormore still video images corresponding to said first selection includesdisplaying on the screen a second set of selection options, wherein atleast one of said second set of selection options corresponds to otherstill video images.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the video deliverysystem broadcasts a plurality of still video images on said firstchannelwherein the video delivery system broadcasting said first channelcomprises the video delivery system broadcasting interactive programdata with each of said plurality of still video images; wherein saiddisplaying on the screen said second set of selection options isperformed in response to receiving interactive program data associatedwith said one or more still video images.
 10. The method of claim 8,further comprising:receiving user input selecting a second selection ofsaid second set of selection options, wherein said second selectionindicates a request to view a second still image which is currentlybeing broadcast by said video delivery system; and displaying on thescreen said second still video image corresponding to said secondselection in response to said receiving user input selecting said secondselection of said second set of selection options.
 11. The method ofclaim 8, further comprising:receiving user input selecting a secondselection of said second set of selection options, wherein said secondselection indicates a request to view a second still image which is notcurrently being broadcast by said video delivery system; the subscribertelevision system providing said request to the media server; the mediaserver providing said second still image to the video delivery system inresponse to said request; the video delivery system broadcasting saidsecond still video image on said first channel in response to receivingsaid second still image from the media server; and the subscribertelevision displaying on the screen said second still image received onsaid first channel.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein said still videoimages are compressed still video images.
 13. The method of claim 1,wherein said media server is an Internet server for providing videocontent on the Internet.
 14. The interactive television system of claim1, wherein the video delivery system is adapted to broadcast interactiveprogram data with one or more of said plurality of channels; andwhereinsaid subscriber television includes a processor for executing saidinteractive program data, wherein said subscriber television displayssaid selection options in response to executing said interactive programdata.
 15. The interactive television system of claim 14, wherein thesystem further comprises a set top box coupled to the subscribertelevision;wherein said displaying on the screen said one or moreselection options comprises the set top box receiving said interactiveprogram data associated with said video content from said one of saidone or more channels and displaying on the screen said one or moreselection options in response to said interactive program data.
 16. Themethod of claim 2, further comprising:the subscriber televisionreceiving at least one second channel comprising a plurality of stillvideo images; wherein said first selection option indicates a request toview at least one still image which is not being broadcast on said atleast one second channel.
 17. The method of claim 2, wherein said firstchannel comprises a plurality of still images, the method furthercomprising:determining which of said plurality of still video images onsaid first channel corresponds to said user input after said subscribertelevision receives said one or more still video images on said firstchannel; wherein said displaying on the screen said one or moreadditional still images received on said first channel is performed inresponse to said determining.
 18. The method of claim 2, wherein saiddisplaying on the screen video content comprises displaying on thescreen said video content on a second television channel; andwhereinsaid second television channel is different than said first televisionchannel.
 19. The method of claim 2, wherein subscriber television systemreceives interactive program data with one or more of said plurality ofchannels;wherein the method further comprises the subscriber televisionexecuting said interactive program data; wherein said displaying on thescreen said one or more selection options is performed in response tothe subscriber television executing said interactive program dataassociated with said video content from said one of said one or morechannels.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the system furthercomprises a set top box coupled to the subscriber television;whereinsaid displaying on the screen said one or more selection optionscomprises the set top box receiving said interactive program dataassociated with said video content from said one of said one or morechannels and displaying on the screen said one or more selection optionsin response to said interactive program data.
 21. The method of claim 2,wherein said displaying on the screen said one or more still videoimages corresponding to said first selection includes displaying on thescreen a second set of selection options, wherein at least one of saidsecond set of selection options corresponds to other still video images.22. The method of claim 21, wherein the subscriber television receives aplurality of still video images on said first channelwherein thesubscriber television receives interactive program data with each ofsaid plurality of still video images; wherein said displaying on thescreen said second set of selection options is performed in response toreceiving interactive program data associated with said one or morestill video images.
 23. The method of claim 21, furthercomprising:receiving user input selecting a second selection of saidsecond set of selection options, wherein said second selection indicatesa request to view a second still image which is currently being receivedby said subscriber television; and displaying on the screen said secondstill video image corresponding to said second selection in response tosaid receiving user input selecting said second selection of said secondset of selection options.
 24. The method of claim 21, furthercomprising:receiving user input selecting a second selection of saidsecond set of selection options, wherein said second selection indicatesa request to view a second still image which is not currently beingreceived by said subscriber television system; the subscriber televisionsystem providing said request to a media server; the subscribertelevision system receiving said second still image in response to saidrequest; and the subscriber television displaying on the screen saidreceived second still image.
 25. The method of claim 2, wherein saidstill video images are compressed still video images.
 26. The method ofclaim 2, wherein said media server is an Internet server for providingvideo content on the Internet.
 27. The interactive television system ofclaim 2 wherein the video delivery system is adapted to broadcastinteractive program data with one or more of said plurality of channels;andwherein said subscriber television includes a processor for executingsaid interactive program data, wherein said subscriber televisiondisplays said selection options in response to executing saidinteractive program data.
 28. The interactive television system of claim27, wherein the system further comprises a set top box coupled to thesubscriber television; andwherein said displaying on the screen said oneor more selection options comprises the set top box receiving saidinteractive program data associated with said video content from saidone of said one or more channels and displaying on the screen said oneor more selection options in response to said interactive program data.